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Visitation:
Thursday, June 20, 2024, at St. Patrick's Church in
Elkhart from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Service:
10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024 at the church
Funeral home:
Peasley Funeral Home, Lincoln
Obituary
Raymond Robert Smith, cherished
father, grandfather, brother, friend, and esteemed
member of the Elkhart community, passed away
peacefully at home on June 15, 2024, at the age of
79, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death
by his parents, Ray and Virginia; his brothers,
Charles and John; and sister, Julia.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00
a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024, at St. Patrick’s
Catholic Church in Elkhart with Rev. Joseph
Dondanville officiating. Burial will follow at
Elkhart Cemetery in Elkhart.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024,
at St. Patrick's Church from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.,
following a 3:30 p.m. rosary prayer service.
Born on February 16, 1945, in Lincoln, Illinois,
Raymond was known for his genuine desire to be of
service and dedication to his family. He lived a
life full of laughter and moments with those he held
dear. His journey through life was marked by a
profound love for his family.
Raymond served in the Army Reserves as an aerial
photographer and a cook, among other various duties.
He returned home to tend to the family farm, which
became a lifelong career and passion for almost 50
years. He valued the land he planted and trusted
God’s grace to provide for his family.
Raymond’s greatest joy was being a loving father to
Angie Klopp, Dan (Lianne), David (Linda), Robert (Alissa),
Amy Mills (Rick), and Jamie (Trent) Park. He
exemplified the values of integrity, compassion, and
hard work, leaving behind an indelible mark on each
of their lives.
Known as the GOAT, he cherished his role as
grandfather to Carly, Gabbie, Camila, Lauren, Jaden,
Gavin, Landon, Hannah, Caleb, Liam, Cristina,
Harrison, Olivia, Elliana, and River, and
great-grandfather to Eloise, actively participating
in all their sports and 4-H endeavors and nurturing
their passions. His presence brought immense joy and
guidance in their lives. |
Raymond is also survived by three
sisters, Ann Thoele, Mary Rudin, and Carolyn Pirrera.
A spirited fan, Raymond loved attending and cheering
on his kids and grandkids as they played for the
Elkhart Redbirds, Mount Pulaski Hilltoppers, and
Warrensburg-Latham Cardinals. He was also an avid
Fighting Illini and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was
a life-long member of St Patrick’s Catholic Church
in Elkhart where he was often seen frying chicken
for the annual chicken dinners, served on the Mt.
Pulaski school board, and was a Knights of Columbus
member. In addition, he had a genuine love for
purple martins, hummingbirds, and cardinals. A big
fan of the Logan County and Illinois State Fairs,
Raymond thoroughly enjoyed live music in the beer
tents and watching his children and grandchildren
show their award-winning duroc pigs. He enjoyed
traveling, especially his trips to Ireland and Italy
with his daughters. Captivating and funny, Raymond’s
ability to tell stories and to create them was
unmatched.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St.
Patrick’s Church of Elkhart or St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital.
Final arrangements are entrusted with Peasley
Funeral Home in Lincoln.
Click here to send a note of condolence to the
family of Raymond Robert Smith
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